“How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings” Psalm 36:7
A Perfect Refuge
Have you ever wanted to hide?
Like under the bed, as still as an opossum, quiet as a mouse?
We all need a refuge at some time in our lives.
Yet every form of refuge has a price.
Some of us may hide beneath the momentary mountain of relief that comes from abusing drugs.
Some cocoon themselves in unhealthy relationships, thinking that by losing themselves in such a relationship, they’ll be safe.
Others hide behind excessive work, using constant achievement as a cloak to mask their illusion of having to take care of themselves and their family with stuff instead of with their presence.
Some even hide in doing good works, trying to cover over their deep-felt craving to be needed, desired, and loved.
If we hide anywhere other than beneath the shadow of His wings, we’re not safe.
We may feel safe for a moment, but as soon as our position changes, our deeply haunting fears are exposed.
And our deepest fear is that of being unsafe.
So what’s the price for freedom?
When I think of being free, I realize that I sense freedom only when living within God’s will for my life.
This is where I know He’s taking care of my every need.
Yet the price for my freedom wasn’t free.
No, I didn’t pay for it; Jesus Christ paid with His life.
He lives that life through me, allowing me to walk in true freedom.
Sure, I could flee from my cage—and I’ve sometimes chosen to do so.
But sooner or later, I realize that my only real refuge and freedom will come from staying in His will.
Where is your hiding place?
Which do you gravitate towards as a substitute for God’s safety: people, places, or things?
Describe a time when you felt safe even though your circumstances were not.
Lord, may we trust only You. Bring us to a place where we know no safety outside of Your love. Amen